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Black Women in Europe Blog™ 10th Anniversary notes:

I chose Lyota to be a 10th Anniversary Shero because she epitomizes so many things for me: the selfless mother; the relentless entrepreneur; the driven advocate who really wants women to understand their outer beauty and teach them how to nurture it as well as honor their inner beauty; and the woman’s woman. You know strong, beautiful, confident, generous, kind, caring and wise. I first blogged about Lyota when she became a distributor for Sacha Cosmetics. I have had the pleasure of Lyota having her talented hands work their magic with make up and brushes on my face to transform lovely to wow! And I have been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of samples of her hair care line along it’s road from development to distribution and my hair is thankful. I’m thankful for how good Lyota makes me feel and how she empowers me and any other sister fortunate to be her client through her ethos of education, education, education. Lyota ensures you know what you need to know to make the right choices for caring for you. Lyota is sharing her advice for winter hair care for Afro textured hair.

Thank you Lyota! And our locks are thanking you in advance.

Winterize Your Hair – Stopping Hair Breakage, for Afro Hair

The most common problem I know concerning black hair is breakage. Especially in the winter months where the harsh and dry conditions could reek havoc on your hair. We have all suffered from this one time or another in our lifetime. If proper care is not given in the winter months, it could set your healthy hair journey back months or even years with the possible breakage that could ensue. So prevention is key here.

Lyota Swainson’s Core Radiance Holistic Hair Care

The main cause is lack of moisture in the hair shaft. Following these tips is a sure fire way to alleviate breakage using Core Radiance Holistic Hair Care Products. Wash regularly. Weekly washes and treatments is your best line of defense in imparting moisture into the hair and increasing elasticity.

Core Radiance RRR Protein treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to help hair retain moisture and strengthen the hair using quinoa protein.

Using Core Radiance Silky Smooth conditioner for Co-washing is great for naturals. Just remember to use Core Radiance Detox shampoo to clarify once a month to remove build up of natural oils.

To infuse moisture into the hair in between washes by adding Core Radiance Hydro-Lock leave-in when hair feels slightly dry to the touch. Follow by sealing with CR Flawless Finish cream or Forever Oil, to seal in the moisture and slow the rate of evaporation.

Core Radiance brush

These simple daily to week habits below will make a world of deference to your hair. Try to use minimum to no heat. This will retain the moisture levels in the hair shaft. Use a silk material when sleeping, other materials are inclined to absorb the moisture from the hair. Keep hair up in protective styles to brace against the weather. Wear warm hats lined with a silk material to retain moisture.

Core radiance comb

Follow these simple steps and you should see your breakage subside. Lush, soft, shiny and healthy head of hair should emerge shortly. Lyota can be reached on lyota@zuzy.se and +46 73 687 5818.

Lyota Swainson photo by Odou John Andrews

Lyota Swainson, is originally from New York City. Currently living in Stockholm, Sweden with her son. Distributor of Sacha Cosmetics in Sweden and Creator of Core Radiance Holistic Hair Care Line. Supports beauty from the inside out projects that help empower young girls and women to build one’s self esteem.

Are you tired of dull, brittle, lifeless hair and long for nourished and healthy tresses? Well there’s a brand new hair care range on the block designed to address the common hair concerns of black women. Noire Essence is a stunning new range of four products free from harsh ingredients, which helps to infuse moisture into curls, smooth relaxed hair and simply improve the condition of every strand.

The hair-care system is most effective when implemented as a four-step process. Noire Essence Anti-Breakage Shampoo, contains rich moisture-retaining ingredients such as black oat, lecithin, passion fruit, acai, coconut oil and shea butter, and works by strengthening the hair while it’s being cleansed. Noire Essence Detangling Conditioner contains mango, aloe vera, slippery elm, and an exclusive formula – kapilarine complex – which boosts hair growth. Once the hair is cleansed and conditioned, maintain a healthy mane by using Noire Essence Daily Lotion specifically designed for your moisture needs with its cocktail of intense natural moisturisers such as jojoba oil, hemp oil, and shea butter to condition and nourish. And last, but in no way least, is the Noire Essence Revitalising Elixir a luxurious blend of oils (coconut, jojoba, hemp, baobab, castor and essential oils) that reinvigorates the scalp and strengthens the hair.

Noire Essence is the brainchild of two sisters: Bisola and Olayinka, who, frustrated with the lack of adapted products for Afro hair on the market, decided to put their wealth of professional experience in pharmacy and marketing to good use by creating this dynamic new brand. Olayinka Fasanya, Pharmacist and co-founder said, “We have made it our mission to really understand the demands and requirements of our hair, and in turn black women across the globe. We know that Afro hair is amongst the most beautifully versatile in the world, whether worn naturally curly or relaxed. Noire Essence provides a complete hair care regimen so that all women can boast gorgeous, healthy locks.”

The products are free from any of the harsh ingredients which contribute to dry, weak and brittle hair. There are no sulphates, mineral oils, silicones or parabens in any of the products; instead they contain a series of exclusive formulas such as: Aquarich complex, which acts as a deep moisturiser for dry hair, wheat protein, which strengthens and protects the hair from within, whilst Kapilarine complex boosts hair growth. The exclusive formula combines natural ingredients to create a range of safe, gentle and effective products which will protect the hair from damage and improve its look dramatically.

Black women are underrepresented in the high street shops and beauty salons of the UK. Noire Essence provides a go-to solution for Afro hair, helping women across the country to achieve the hair they have always wished for; whether it is natural-looking curls, or a stylish straightened look.

Dr. Lüderitz Natural Cosmetics was founded by Dr. rer. nat. Liset Lüderitz. She was born in Cuba, where she completed a degree in chemical engineering. While working in the Research Center for Nutrition and Food Sciences in Havana she was also trained as an aroma specialist and developed aromas for the national food industry.

Dr. Luderitz

In the year 2000 she moved to Berlin (Germany) and besides falling in love with the city she soon noticed the lack of natural products for curly hair. As a scientist it quickly occurred to her that she could develop the products herself. While already using her own formulations she continued her scientific career, finishing a M.Sc. in Polymer Science and obtaining a PhD in Physical Chemistry at the TU Berlin.

The first product line – Havana Curls – addresses the essential needs of curly hair by combining scientific field knowledge with tradition.

The Havana Curls Leave-in Conditioner is a natural emulsion – a mixture of natural oils, plant extracts, vitamin, protein and water. With the selected natural ingredients and the balanced pH a well conditioned, shined and healthy curly hair is guaranteed. The two ingredients Shea Butter and Mango Butter with their high percentage (about 10%) of unsaponifiable components lead to a more moisturized and revitalized hair without a greasy feeling. Furthermore the synergetic effects of the ingredients result in an amazing softness of the hair.

I started Mariposa Import because I was frustrated at the lack of quality products in Europe in 2004. I took the matter into my own hands. I also knew that having natural hair was not a fad for me but a way of life. I was used to folks making their remarks about my hair within earshot ,”Girl, You need to get a relaxer!’ I giggled out loud and shook my head. Their remarks had no influence on me. I did not understand why a total stranger had something to say about my hair. It said more to me about their own discomfort with natural hair.

We all know that it can be fun looking at You Tube videos or photos of hairstyles. There is nothing wrong with that. You can’t help but admire the sheer talent that is on these videos. Many of these YouTubers have more talent than so-called “hairdressers” who are afraid to touch natural hair. And the ones who do touch your hair are quick to rake a comb through dry natural hair. I am a patient woman but when I witness that, I loose my patience. Hair care is not supposed to hurt.

But what happens if that fascination turns to obsession? When minutes turns to hours on the internet. You lose track of time and days turn into weeks and then months and then years. Has “hair” become your obsession? Does it own you instead of you owning it? Do you have any other hobbies? What about personal relationships or social political events or self-development? Do you see what I am getting at? On the Mariposa Import Facebook page, I show the many hobbies that I engage in. My hair takes less than 5 minutes maximum. That frees up so much personal time to do other things that I love.

I love hair just as much as the next person standing next to me, but there is so much more to life than hair. I see hair just like plants. I treat my plants the same way I treat my hair, give it moisture, quality ingredients, Love and then leave italone to let it grow. This principle applies to all hair types, no exception. Love the hair that you have right now, at this very moment with no conditions. You would not say to a child, “I will only love you when you reach 1.47 meters”. This is no different. Replace obsession with Love and your hair and life with thank you for it.

I love how this keeps the hair moisturized throughout the day. You can use it on babies to adults. It keeps your fro and twists feeling so soft. Let’s not forget about locs. This is a favorite of loc wearers.

Europe’s First and Original webshop for people with curly and afro hair

Lori van Echtelt is the owner and founder of Mariposa Imports (MI), based in the Netherlands. She was on the Black Women in Europe™ 2010 Power List. Mariposa Import started in February 2004. It is the first and original shop focused on curly and frizzy hair in Western Europe. MI specializes in unique, high quality, hair and skin products from America and Afrika. We only sell products we ourselves use. The products we sell do not contain mineral oil or petrolatum, ingredients which block moisture absorption by the hair. We select products is based on our personal experience and that of our friends.

There is a lot of talk about menopause in Europe but not much over Perimenopaause. That is the period before menopause where you hormone levels start to change. Menopause is the cessation of your menstruation. Menopause means that you have gone a full year without a period. Periomenopause can start as young as 30 and this period of perimenopause can last as long as 10 years or longer.

This is just the begin of the list. This means that that you are not going crazy. It is your body going through a transitional phase. This is a time to be extra mindful of your diet; fresh vegetables, decreased caffeine and sugar intake. You may have to cross things off the list that you once considered “Must Do’s”. I call this a period of increased self-care. A doctor can not do it for you. There are places within Europe that do recognize this period in a womens’ life and offer bio-identical hormones after they have completed tests of your hormone levels.

Estrogen dominance (too much estrogen in the body) can worsen these symptoms. Estrogen dominance is far more common than people think. Certain chemicals (i.e plastics) , foods, can increase the body’s estrogen production. High levels of estrogen have been linked to breast and ovarian cancers.

Natural progesterone replacement can help offset the estrogen dominance.

Your hair may be thinning at this point. It is best to be in touch with your hair. Does it feel dry? Dry is not normal. Mariposa Import has wonderful products to eliminate dryness completely from your hair. However nothing will replace a good healthy diet and the elimination of stress that can cause havoc on your hormones and hair. I like to call Perimenopause, Peri- ME-PAUSE. Kick martyrdom to the side. It is your time to take extra care of yourself.

The product feature of the month is HairVeda Amala Cream Rinse. This product is wonderful for those who prefer to no-poo (wash their hair with a conditioner in place of a shampoo).

Lori van Echtelt is the owner and founder of Mariposa Imports (MI), based in the Netherlands. She was on the Black Women in Europe™ 2010 Power List. Mariposa Import started in February 2004. It is the first and original shop focused on curly and frizzy hair in Western Europe. MI specializes in unique, high quality, hair and skin products from America and Afrika. We only sell products we ourselves use. The products we sell do not contain mineral oil or petrolatum, ingredients which block moisture absorption by the hair. We select products is based on our personal experience and that of our friends.

There are parts of life that I enjoy unexpected surprises. Not with my hair. I have my hair routines that require no thought. Having a hair routine simplifies your life and frees up time to do other things. It also reduces stress. Your hair routine has to be one that is easy to maintain. Here are my tips to a Simplified Hair Routine:

1) Am I able to do this routine and get out the door quickly in the morning?
2) If I have to travel on vacation or business; are the products easy to take along? Do I have to put them in different travel containers? Are these containers set up and ready to take at a moments notice?
3) Do I have a seasonal hair routine? One for the warmer months and one for the colder months?
4) Is my home area where I keep my products neatly organized? Do I hold on to products that I no longer use. Is it streamlined for efficiency?
5) Do I have a hair routine for formal events?
6) Do I have a lazy hair routine for days when you still want to look great but do not want to invest time. Hair accessories are great for lazy days.
7) Time, Time, Time. Your hair routine has to be set within a reasonable time limit. Who wants to spend hours with their hair. My routine is down to five minutes or less in the morning. I feel wonderful when I step out the door.

Once you have simplified your hair routine, you will be absolutely amazed at how much time you save. It will free up your brain space to think about things and to stop worrying about your hair.

Now here for the product feature:

Bee Mine Rhassoul Clarifying Shampoo Bar. This shampoo bar not only softens the hair but smells great. I have gone swimming and my hair did not feel crispy afterwards. I just love it and I know you will as well.

Lori van Echtelt is the owner and founder of Mariposa Imports (MI), based in the Netherlands. She was on the Black Women in Europe™ 2010 Power List. Mariposa Import started in February 2004. It is the first and original shop focused on curly and frizzy hair in Western Europe. MI specializes in unique, high quality, hair and skin products from America and Afrika. We only sell products we ourselves use. The products we sell do not contain mineral oil or petrolatum, ingredients which block moisture absorption by the hair. We select products is based on our personal experience and that of our friends.